Not So Quick Tips for Long Distance Moving and Storage

My top tips for long distance and moving and storage – this is a complete list of what you need to consider during your long distance move that requires storage. If you don’t need storage – you are in the wrong place – try this

Long Distance Moving and Storage

Long distance moving when you need storage sucks. Sorry, but anyone who tells you different is most likely an extreme optimist ( do those still exist? ) or fibbing you so they don’t have to help you. Okay, so now that you understand that LDMandS is a pain, here are some tips to help you get through it:

There is greater chance that your things will be missing/damaged when you need long distance moving and storage in the interim. Here is why – most movers buy/sell/transfer your move and there are so many hands that touch your shipment. Let me put it this way – it would be really hard to prove where your things ended up missing/damaged. What can you do to protect your items? Hire a long distance mover who doesn’t sell/trade/buy shipments. Also the best long distance movers will make sure the same crew that loaded your shipment delivers after storage.

Do your research. I really hate this cliche – like you don’t already know – check reviews blah blah blah… Here is the insight I can provide about long distance moving and storage research. You have to feel comfortable with them. A nice voice on the phone isn’t the only reason to book with your mover. And a FYI – BBB, Yelp, HomeAdvisor, Angie’s List are all PAID services. I suggest finding long distance moving company reviews that are from third -party, verified sites like customer lobby.

Make sure you store your items in the state you are moving to. A lot of customers store items in their pick-up state they are moving from. This gives the customer absolutely no leverage if the first move stinks. Also, the price could change drastically – especially when using containerized storage. Hire long distance movers with flat rate long distance moving fees.

Don’t use containerized storage for long distance moving and storage . First of all, per month storage fees are very high and the units are/can: easy to break into, fall apart, a nice home for insects/rodents, notorious for uncharges, billing issues, and in general horrible customer service.

If you are using long distance moving and storage to move to a new climate say – from NY to FL – you should consider opting for humidity controlled storage unit or FL to NY – heated storage. This isn’t for everyone… if the most expensive piece of furniture you own is a desk from IKEA – any type of storage should do fine.

Pro-rated storage for your long distance move can save you hundreds. Most van lines and larger moving operations will charge you for a full month of storage even if you move out on the 5th of the month.

If you are moving long distance and need storage for six months or more – you will need to sign storage documents every six months and if you fail to – your coverage may be voided. This should be the responsibility of your move to remind you of but it’s always good to be aware.